Dick Gregory, the comedian and civil rights crusader, died Saturday. He was 84.

His family announced the news on his public Facebook page.

“It is with enormous sadness that the Gregory family confirms that their father, comedic legend and civil rights activist Mr. Dick Gregory departed this earth tonight in Washington, DC,” his son Christian Gregory said in the post. “The family appreciates the outpouring of support and love and respectfully asks for their privacy as they grieve during this very difficult time. More details will be released over the next few days.”

According to The Associated Press, Gregory, who was recently in and out of the hospital, died following a severe bacterial infection. NPR has not independently confirmed the cause of death.

Gregory gained attention as a comedian in the early 1960s, and was the first black comedian to widely win plaudits from white audiences. Darryl Littleton, author of the book Black Comedians on Black Comedy, told NPR in 2009 that Gregory broke barriers with his appearances on television, just by sitting down:

“Dick Gregory is the first to recognized — and he’ll say it — the first black comedian to be able to stand flat-footed, and just delivered comedy. You had other comedians back then but they always had to do a little song or a dance or whatever, Sammy Davis had to dance and sing, and then tell jokes. Same with Pearl Bailey and some of the other comedians. But Dick Gregory was able to grow on television, sit down on the Jack Paar show — and sit on the couch and actually have a discussion, and that it never happened in the history of television.”
Gregory “opened the door” for Bill Cosby to rise to fame, Littleton said.

He was noted for his political and social activism, beginning in the civil rights movement in the 1960s. He attended the historic 1963 March on Washington. Forty years later, Gregory told Tavis Smiley on NPR about his experience at the march, describing it as “joy. It was festivity, and as far as the human eye could see.”

Gregory talked in 2003 about his experience trying to integrate a restaurant in Mississippi before the march, showing he could inject some humor into a serious story:

“We tried to integrate a restaurant, and they said, `We don’t serve colored folk here,’ and I said, `Well, I don’t eat colored folk nowhere. Bring me some pork chops.’ And then Ku Klux Klan come in, and the woman say, `We don’t have no pork chops,’ so I say, `Well, bring me a whole fried chicken.’ And then the Klan walked up to me when they put that whole fried chicken in front of me, and they say, `Whatever you do to that chicken, boy, we’re going to do to you.’ So I opened up its legs and kissed it in the rump and tell you all, `Be my guest.’ ”
He was direct in his language about race. He co-wrote with Robert Lipsyte the book nigger: An Autobiography — the “n” is lowercase — in 1964. Gregory explained to NPR why he chose that title:

“So this word ‘nigger’ was one of the most well-used words in America, particularly among black folks. And I said, `Well, let’s pull it out the closet. Let’s lay it out here. Let’s deal with it. Let’s dissect it.’ Now the problem I have today is people call it the N-word. It should never be called the N-word. You see, how do you talk about a swastika by using another term?”
Gregory called the U.S. “the number-one most racist system on the planet. … And I hope that America is willing to take this shoe of racism off and deal with racism and deal with sexism.”

He ran for mayor of Chicago in 1967 and ran for president in 1968 under the Freedom and Peace Party. He was on the ballot in eight states and got 47,133 votes, as Ken Rudin wrote for NPR.

Hunger strikes were a frequent activist tool for Gregory. He told Juan Williams on Talk of the Nation that he went without solid food for two and a half years to protest the war in Vietnam.

At one point, he said he weighed 365 pounds. But he lost a lot of weight fasting to protest the war. “I went on a fast, 40 days of water. Forty days of fruit juice. Forty days of fruit. And then 40 days of water again,” Gregory told NPR.

In 2000, Gregory went on a hunger strike to protest police brutality, long before the current wave of activism.

Gregory promoted some conspiracy theories, telling NPR in 2005 about conspiracies involving the death of Princess Diana and the Sept. 11 attacks. “The FBI and the CIA is probably the two most evil entities that ever existed in the history of the planet,” Gregory told Ed Gordon on News & Notes.

He was also an inspired health guru, who doled out advice to many for better living, including celebrities like Michael Jackson, whom he advised during the singer’s trial.

The musician Questlove paid tribute to Gregory’s healthful influence on Instagram, as “one of the first major black figures I saw advocating for a healthier lifestyle for black folks that were caught on unhealthy choices we’ve made in the name of cheaper survival options,” he wrote.

Gregory joked about getting old with Tavis Smiley in 2002:

“Here’s how you can tell when you’re getting old. When someone compliment those beautiful alligator shoes you’re wearing and you’re barefooted. … Or when your lady or man hollers downstairs, `Dear, run upstairs and let’s have some sex,’ and you yell back, `You know I can just do one or the other,’ then you kind of be in trouble, you know.”
Gregory was married for more than 50 years and had 10 children. His daughter Ayanna Gregory released a song called “A Ballad For My Father” in 2007. She told NPR that her father was gone from home often, but it was because “human rights became his life.”

She sang: “As a little girl, I didn’t know what you meant to this world. If I had a dime for every time somebody told me it’s to save their lives and changed their minds. You planted seeds so long ago deep in me so I would grow.”

Gregory mused about death in 2006, when talking with Ed Gordon about the passing at the time of Coretta Scott King:

“Let me just say this, whenever you die from this planet, I feel you go some place, and my trip going to be so long to wherever I go, I got instructions from my wife to put on a couple of backpacks.”

Hannibull World presents the First Ever Film Review Comedy Show hosted by television personalities, Bull and YaYa of the popular show, Quiet on the Set. The first event of its kind incorporating commentary on your favorite classic films transforming it into a live comedy show. Guests will be treated to comedy sets from Melissa Strong, Juhahn Jones, Kamra White, and Davell Taylor. Taking place at the Raleigh Studios located in the heart of Hollywood, the red carpet begins at 7PM Sharp and will include special invited guests Michael Blackson (Comedian), Tika Sumpter (Actress), Alice MacDonald (Actress), and Kristen West (Reality Star). Longtime friends beginning in Brooklyn, NYC, these two personalities have found a niche bringing their parallel experiences into one accord branding the Bull & Yaya Show to much acclaim. The premise is their commentary on everyone’s favorite films, TV shows, and scenes. For more information, visit: www.BullandYaya.com

For a while, we might found ourselves wondering what has happened to one of the most real comedians to be known. Well, he has been planning and raising his family all these years, he has been during shows and recording episodes of his funny moments. I found a fascinating picture of his family all holding skateboards. This undoubtedly assures us that skating is an excellent tool to building family togetherness.

If you think back to his special a few years ago, controversial was stirred then. With his new comedy collection completed with two episodes airing on Netflix recently, the world is surely stirred about some of the more touchier topics such as homophobia, race, and police brutality. It’s pretty normal for his specials, but overall it’s common for all comedians to ruffle feathers on topics they can make jokes about.

I would say that his style of comedy is hard and the real-ist because he speaks facts while he makes jokes about them to add humor. He took this time to express his feelings about some of America’s top media. With his funny face expressions, he made everyone laugh and was shocked when one of his jokes led to the crown clapping.

Comedy has come a very long way and very pleasing to watch all the comedians come and go. His legacy including 30 years of showbiz and is surely in effect because he never stopped even after taken a slight break for a few years. One of his legacies is his sons. It’s a must watch; he has surely been cooking while he as on this hiatus.

One of the most interesting parts of his special was the jokes about gays and the theory titled age of spin. Currently, there has been a lot of uproar about this jokes about LBGTQ. In today media and society, there has been a lot homophobia comedy and subliminal messages that I can see how it would offend that community. Comedy shouldn’t have limitations of what can be said or not, that’s what makes comedy one of the freest professions to speak your rants.

As a young teen I watched his shows and was a fan of his work; then he just got up and left. I was very heartbroken by this so when I heard he was coming back to Stand Up, I just knew I had to jump on and see it for myself. So Let me break down how I felt about this Netflix Special.

First off I was very surprised that Dave was even coming out with anything, let alone two specials! The first one that I watched was filmed in Los Angeles. It was fun seeing him back on the stage; The feeling of just watching one of the modern day greats made it a special moment. He talked about different situations, racism, the LGBT community, OJ Simpson and the biggest punchline of them all, Bill Cosby. Chappelle has a very unique way of bringing up very sensitive subjects and making them okay to talk about. I loved that he is very transparent and just says what he feels. Without giving the special away, he talked about Key & Peele., both of which have followed in similar footsteps as Chappelle. I didn’t get to watch the other show yet. But in summary it is one of in my opinion, the best Netflix specials to date. The execution is right on point, you can tell that he was having fun. The fact is, he’s a great story teller. I really would recommend anybody to see this you won’t stop laughing, It will defintely ring back memories. Hopefully, we get more Specials like this maybe even bringing back The Chappelle Show!? Who knows…

So, unless you have been living under a rock the entire 11 days of this year, I’m quite sure you have caught on to this guy who has the internet going nuts! The videos themselves had me needing a defibrillator. They should have their own section on Food Network as “soft food porn.” When the memes started rolling out, oh my God. Some call him the “Sprinkle Chef”, some call him “Salt Bae”. I took it upon myself to research. So, who is this guy exactly?

Facts about the Sprinkle Chef/ Salt Bae:

He is a super smooth Turkish Chef by the name of Nusret Gökçe.

He co-owns the popular steakhouse Nusr-et, which has many locations throughout Turkey and Dubai.

The Restaurant caters to several celebrity clientele.

What really caught my attention (besides the salt) was how he treats the meat. He rubs the meat, he caresses the meat with butter as if he is rubbing hot massage oil over it, he sensually spanks the meat. A lot of you dudes can take notes! No, don’t go to your freezer and start a mess in the kitchen. Treat your women as such…err, minus cutting her with a knife. Anyway, back to the salt! You can’t deny it..he is ULTRA SMOOTH WITH IT! That final touch…(listens to E-40 as he does.) I really hope my mom hasn’t caught wind of this fiasco. Why? Well, I’m glad you asked. She would be wooing over him like she did LL Cool J..along with other women.

Now, on to the memes. Of course, the internet could not WAIT to turn this smooth fella into a sensation. It seems like a new meme has been posted every 2 or 3 hours on Instagram (literally!). So, for my, ahem, sprinkle on this post, I shall post a few of these memes. Enjoy!

ATLANTA, GA — Producer Daphne Pittman-Hayes will make her writing and directorial debut with the highly anticipated film, Dirty South House Arrest. Best known for her creative work on The Game, The Blind Side and Vampire Diaries, Pittman-Hayes is now honing in on her desire to help youth and young adults change their perspective of life and think critically. Dirty South House Arrest is a story of love, life, and valuable lessons that target the millennial generation.

The Atlanta based film features LaTavia Roberson (Original Destiny’s Child Member and R&B Diva), comedians DC Young Fly, Rodney Perry, Emmanuel Hudson, Diva Tyler and Comic Pierre. “The characters of Dirty South House Arrest live a life that many face today,” says Pittman-Hayes, “We make silly, snap decisions that can change our entire life.” This original film tackles real life issues in such a humorous way that will leave you wanting more. Dirty South House Arrest will also be the feature film debut of Producer Chris Kelsey, known for his work on MTV’s Teen Wolf and Madea’s Big Happy Family.

The screening of Dirty South House Arrest is taking place on Sunday, January 15, 2017 at 6pm at Regal Cinemas-Atlantic Station, located at 261 19th St NW in Atlanta, GA. This will be a Red Carpet event to include many national VIP guest. The general public may RSVP online at https://dirtysouthhousearrestmoviescre.splashthat.com.

Dirty South House Arrest has been entered into several film festivals and is currently awaiting acceptance. Pittman-Hayes is keeping her creative juices flowing with several documentaries, an episodic pilot and a reality lifestyle show in the works. She is also writing a children’s book. Please visit www.dirtysouthhousearrest.com to learn more about the film and connect with the team. For press or media inquiries, please contact La’Torria Lemon of Lemon-Lime Light Media atpress@lemonlimelightmedia.com.

I love a good laugh! So when I ran across Maronzio Vance’s new comedy album I had to check it out! I laughed from the time it came on until the time it went off!!! He’s edgy, blunt and over all funny as hell!!! This CD is such a great investment! This is a early morning CD when you feeling a way about going to work, and need a little pick me up! Turn it on! When you mad turn it on! It will have you rolling!